Over the past few years, microscopy devices have soared in popularity driven by their applications in studying various biological interactions and processes at cellular level. Their use have facilitated the discovery of novel therapies and advanced diagnostics in treating a wide variety of diseases worldwide. The need for advanced technologies to investigate various cell types and meticulously examine their interactions with other compounds has stimulated the demand for microscopy devices. An increasing number of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have shifted toward forming collaborations with contract research organizations (CRO) in order to leverage the potential of modern technical expertise and reduce the cost of R&D activities. This development has spurred the demand for microscopy devices in the life sciences industry.

In recent years, the advent of ultra-precision and high-resolution microscopy and increasing adoption of automation technologies in biosciences are key trends catalyzing the demand for microscopy devices in life sciences applications. The launch of fluorescence microscopes is an encouraging development in this regard. The worldwide market for life science microscopy devices is projected to reach US$2.0 bn by the end of the forecast period and is expected to rise at 6.5% CAGR of during 2016–2024.

Which are the microscopy device types likely to witness significant uptake in the life sciences industry?

The major types of microscopy devices used in life sciences applications are optical microscopes, electron microscopes, and scanning probe microscopes. Optical microscopes constitute a major segment in the market. The impressive demand for optical microscopes is attributed to their wide applications in research laboratories across various emerging nations and soaring demand in areas such as clinical, pathology, pharmacology and toxicology. The low cost of these devices is crucial factor bolstering their uptake. The development of integrated microscopes is also expected to fuel their demand. The prominence of integrated optical microscopes over electron and scanning probe microscopes is due to the cost-effectiveness of the former, as they do not need any additional systems such as detectors, scanners, and imaging.

The demand for optical microscopes is primarily fuelled by the growing popularity of fluorescence microscopes. The high sensitivity and specificity of fluorescence microscopes has led to their extensive use in a variety of intra and intercellular processes such as exocytosis and endocytosis. However, the prevalence of intense competition among vendors may slightly hamper the demand for optical microscopes in the forthcoming years.

Which regions are projected to provide abundant promising opportunities for manufacturers of microscopy devices?

North America is expected to provide lucrative avenues for players in the life sciences microscopy devices market. The regional market held the dominant share in 2016 and is forecast to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period. Spiraling R&D spending in the life sciences and biomedical industries is anticipated to bolster the demand for various types of microscopy in the region.

Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific market for microscopy devices in life sciences will exhibit a stellar performance along the forecast period. The substantial demand for microscopy devices in the region is on the account of rapid advances made in nanotechnology, especially in China and Japan, and continuous technological advancements in microscopy devices.